Rural Development

Defra’s Environment Secretary Hilary Benn announced on 6 December 2007 that the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2007 – 2013 had been approved by the European Commission.

emda is delivering the socio-economic elements of the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) 2007 – 2013.

Funded by Defra and the European Union, emda has approximately £60m available for projects in the East Midlands until 2013.

RDPE will mainly target land-based businesses in the East Midlands including farmers, foresters, horticulturists and equine businesses.
The criteria for projects to be eligible for grant funding includes:

Adding value to agricultural, horticultural or forestry products – including the development of new products, processes and technologies
Improving co-operation and collaboration between businesses to improve efficiency – including infrastructure and equipment investments
Promoting diversification in the rural economy.

For more information on RDPE, please visit www.emda.org.uk/rdpe

Lincolnshire Coastal Study looks to the future

The threat of climate change - specifically rising sea levels and more frequent storms - is real for Lincolnshire’s coastal communities: a third of the county is at, or below, sea level. The Lincolnshire Coastal Study is being carried out to make a fresh assessment of future needs for the coastal areas. It will come up with series of options for sustainable development looking forward 20, 50 and 100 years.
Click here from more information.

Blue tongue and Foot and Mouth

For the latest information on the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Bluetongue visit
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/bluetongue/index.htm

Or call the Defra helpline on 08459 33 55 77 Mon-Fri: 9am to 5pm (6am to 10pm seven days a week for enquiries relating to Foot and Mouth Disease)

Economic evaluation of biodiesel production

East Midlands Development Agency (emda) has commissioned a report which helps farmers evaluate the economic impact of biodiesel production on their businesses.

The report, an ‘Economic evaluation of biodiesel production from oilseed rape grown in the East Midlands’ was produced for emda by the Andersons Centre. It brings together the latest information and regulations relating to farm scale production. It also highlights opportunities, risks and issues to consider, and signposts sources of further information.

The report also includes a checklist and calculator which can be used to inform investment decisions by providing an easy to use, but robust method of identifying and calculating likely costs and benefits for farmers considering growing oilseed rape crops for biodiesel production.

While every effort has been made by emda and its advisors to ensure the accuracy of the information provided, please be aware that the calculator and information are only intended as a basic tool and do not take the place of expert advice based on particular circumstances. Investment decisions should not be based solely on the results obtained on this website.

Economic evaluation of Biodiesel and investment calculator

Stimulating the renewal of rural communities

The East Midlands is the third most rural region in England, with 29.5% of the population living in rural communities, compared to 19.4% nationally. There is also a great diversity of landscape, farming types and other industries.

The rural economy plays a critical part in the economic success of the whole region. To be sustainable, our rural communities need access to services, opportunities and support for their businesses, infrastructure and people, just as much as urban areas.

Useful links

Sustainable Food and Farming
http://www.emda.org.uk/documents/doclist.asp?action=display&filevar=189

EMRAF
www.ruralaffairs.org.uk/default.aspx